AF WC Roundup: Merino’s late goal knocks Portugal out; De Ketelaere stars to beat the host

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Match Highlights

Portugal 0-1 Spain: Mikel Merino's late-time stunner sends CR7's side back home

Mikel Merino made an instant impact off the bench as his dramatic 91st-minute winner earned Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal and a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals. 

United States 1-4 Belgium: De Ketelaere 2 goals & 1 assist, Belgium advances to the QF

Game is over and the final score is United States 1-4 Belgium. Here is the match report.

Key Stats Board

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup stats overview: 11 goals in 6 World Cups

Portugal have lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. This game could possibly be the last game of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

De Ketelaere named Man of the Match for USA vs. Belgium after 2 goals and 1 assist

In the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1. Belgian forward De Ketelaere, who contributed two goals and one assist, was named the official FIFA World Cup Player of the Match.

World Cup Round of 16 sees "away teams" win all of the first 6 matches

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Belgium defeated the host USA 4-1 away from home. So far, all six Round of 16 matches in this FIFA World Cup that have produced a decisive result have been won by the "away team" on the right side of the bracket.

Europeans win 4 straight World Cup last-16 away games, oust 2 hosts and 2 South American teams

In the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Belgium defeated host nation USA 4-1. European teams won all four of their away matches in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Lukaku becomes the first player to score as a substitute in 4 World Cup matches

In the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1. Lukaku came on as a substitute and scored, becoming the first player to score as a substitute in four FIFA World Cup matches.

Ronaldo ties record for most World Cup losses with 8 in 27 games

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Portugal lost 0-1 to Spain, marking the end of Ronaldo's FIFA World Cup career. According to statistics, Ronaldo is tied for the most losses in FIFA World Cup history.

Belgium have reached World Cup quarterfinals in 3 of last 4, after just once before 2014

In the just-concluded FIFA World Cup Round of 16 in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. According to statistics, this is the third time Belgium has reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in the past four FIFA World Cups, underscoring the team's competitiveness in major international tournaments in recent years.

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: Sandro Tonali joins Tottenham Hotspur, will wear No.16 jersey

According to Tottenham Hotspur's official announcement, Sandro Tonali joins the club from Newcastle United. He will wear the No.16 jersey in the next season. 

OFFICIAL: Glasner is appointed as the new head coach of Nottingham Forest

According to Nottingham Forest's official announcement, Oliver Glasner, the former Crystal Palace head coach, will lead the men's team as the new head coach.

Former Chelsea and Atletico defender Luis named Monaco head coach

Monaco have appointed former Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Brazil full-back Filipe Luis as their new head coach, following his departure from Flamengo.

OFFICIAL: RBFA question Balogun’s match eligibility as FIFA reject its legitimate request

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released an official notice, stating FIFA has declined to respond to its legitimate demands and questioning player Balogun’s eligibility to feature.

World Cup 2026: England's Jordan Henderson out of tournament after freak injury against Mexico

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup.

Mbappe condemns racist remarks made by Paraguayan politician Amarilla

Kylian Mbappe has described a Paraguayan politician as "despicable" and unworthy of her position after she made several racist remarks toward the France star. 

FIFPRO South America backs Mbappe: institutions must act and speak out against racism

On July 6th, FIFPRO South America issued a statement condemning the racist remarks made by a Paraguayan senator against Mbappe.

Casemiro breaks down in tears & says we'll always be the ones who didn't win World Cup in interview

Casemiro had to be comforted by reporters when he broke down in tears during an emotional interview moments after Brazil crashed out of the World Cup.

Ruben Amorim begins AC Milan career with sly dig at Man Utd in first interview

Ruben Amorim claimed that the job facing him at AC Milan presents "an bigger challenge than Manchester United", as the 41-year-old prepares for his return to management. Amorim left United in January this year, having spent 14 months at Old Trafford.

Ederson to Man Utd transfer update after shock claims that £38m deal has collapsed

Ederson is still on course to join Manchester United despite recent reports suggesting the deal had collapsed. The Atalanta midfielder has all but completed his move to Old Trafford, even though neither the club nor his representatives have yet made an official announcement.

Man Utd news: Michael Carrick makes hijack call as chiefs to fly in for £85m transfer talks

Michael Carrick is set for a busy first transfer window as Manchester United manager after being handed the role permanently

Mexico manager swears at Gordon during hydration break - before both dissolve into laughter

England's Anthony Gordon found himself on the end of a tongue-lashing by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre overnight - but they both saw the funny side.

What They Say

Cristiano Ronaldo: this is my last World Cup; I gave my all and have no regrets

Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 0-1 loss to Spain. After the match, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo admitted in an interview that this was his final World Cup.

Infantino: I did receive a call from Trump and informed him that proceedings are underway

Infantino: I did receive a call from Trump and Informed him that proceedings are underway

Martinez: This is my last match with Portugal; I thank the Portuguese people and the players

Roberto Martinez announces he's stepping down from his role as Portugal's national team coach.

Belgium's official social media: it's football, not soccer

After defeating the US team, the Belgian team's official social media account posted an update, mercilessly "trolling" the US team.

Pochettino: congratulations to Belgium; we didn't play to our usual standard

After Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, USA coach Pochettino spoke to Fox Sports.

Rudi Garcia: Balogun's situation doesn't affect us; our goal is to reach the semifinals

In this morning’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match, Belgium defeated the United States 4-1. Afterward, Rudi Garcia shared his thoughts on the game in an interview with Sporza.

Ancelotti: This loss is not Brazil's end, but the start of a new cycle

After the Brazil national team lost 1-2 to Norway in the World Cup round of 16 and exited the tournament, head coach Ancelotti stated that although the loss was painful, the team must look towards a new World Cup cycle and restart for the 2030 World Cup.

Gary Neville :Three Lions are favourites against Norway but urges caution over Erling Haaland

Gary Neville said England will be favourites against Norway but urged caution over Erling Haaland's potential impact despite the euphoria after their victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16.

Fixtures of the Day

World Cup Round of 16

Argentina vs Egypt 2026/07/07 16:00 UTC

Switzerland vs Colombia 2026/07/07 20:00 UTC